WILMER, Texas (AP) - A registered sex offender collared in an Internet sting four years ago is running for mayor of a small Dallas suburb.

James Brian Sliter says he's sorry and needs to prove he can be an asset to his community. The 42-year-old was arrested after arranging sex with someone he met on the Internet who he thought was a 15-year-old girl.

Sliter was placed on 10 years of probation for attempting to commit sexual assault of a child. The case will eventually be dismissed if he stays out of trouble.

Sliter says he's not asking residents of the suburb of Wilmer to condone what he did. He just wants them to forgive him and give him a chance.

Current Mayor Don Hudson says a sex offender serving as mayor will put a stigma on the city.